When people say cruises are all same-same, I counter with this

3 months ago 25

This article is part of Traveller’s Holiday Guide to ocean cruising.

I’ve done a lot of cruising, but that doesn’t stop people who are keen to tell me that it’s a cookie-cutter experience they’d never consider.

That’s like saying you’d never stay in a hotel because they all occupy big bland buildings with identical rooms. Yes, international chains are familiar, but I don’t think anyone assumes there aren’t quirky national chains or family-owned boutique hotels out there.

Likewise, cruise lines come in all varieties and, if you look beyond the regular horizon, you’ll find myriad companies, one of which will surely suit even the pickiest person. There are too many to cover here, but this small sampling might whet your appetite.

If you want to sail the truly authentic way, then Star Clippers operates three of the world’s largest and tallest sailing vessels in the Caribbean, Pacific coast of Central America and Mediterranean. Its ships aren’t luxurious but you get a genuine sailing experience. Many guests are yachties, but even landlubbers will be thrilled at the billowing sails and creaking ropes.

Worried about the environmental impact of cruising? Norwegian line Havila Voyages has four new ships dedicated to sustainable travel. They’re powered by LNG and have some of the world’s largest battery packs for an uncanny experience of silent sailing, at least some of the time.

The 640-passenger ships sail classic Norwegian coastal voyages in 12-day round trips between Bergen and Kirkenes, with other short options. Restaurants showcase dishes made from regional produce.

Havila Capella in Eidsfjorden in Norway.

Another small cruise line is Celestyal Cruises, until recently confined to sailing out of Athens to the Greek islands and Turkey. Now it also offers Adriatic itineraries and short Persian Gulf cruises.

Its two ships carry about 1300 passengers and are notable for their diligent crew and range of dining and bar options. The focus is on the destination, with extended port times and numerous shore-excursion choices.

Cruise companies that are less known in Australia include British company Saga Cruises, which sails two 987-passenger ships in Europe, the Caribbean and North America, and American Cruise Lines. The latter sails small ships on many interesting American rivers and on stretches of the US eastern seaboard.

Investigate further and you’ll find many more options. Chile-based Australis Cruises has two 200-passenger ships that specialise in Patagonia. Unforgettable Croatia launched a new Yacht Cruise Collection this year for boutique 28-passenger ship sailings between Zadar or Split and Dubrovnik.

And in Indonesia, Ayana Hotels operates an 18-passenger traditional phinisi vessel on short itineraries around Komodo and surrounding smaller islands best known for dragons but also outstanding for scenery, snorkelling and diving.

Meanwhile, Mekong Princess Cruises operates the 28-passenger Mekong Princess between Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and Kampong Cham in Cambodia, and rival company Mekong Kingdoms more unusually operates cruises between Luang Prabang and Vientiane in Laos. Same-same? I don’t think so.

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